FFA members attend national convention

Sixteen FFA members from Van-Far High School attended the National Convention in Louisville, Ky. this year.

On October 30, the Van-Far chapter took 16 members to National Convention in Louisville, Ky. They shared a charter bus with the Mark Twain and Winfield FFA chapters. When they arrived at the hotel, the kids changed into their official dress and went to the first general session, at which the 2012-2013 National FFA officer team was introduced, and the keynote speaker was Rick Pitino, head coach of the Louisville Cardinals. He talked about the importance of building relationships in business and life by taking time to get to know people and listen to them. After the session, they went to the Dierks Bentley and Jana Kramer concert.
Thursday was the casual day. In the morning, the three chapters went and toured Graeter’s Ice Cream Factory. After lunch, they went back to the convention center to watch the hypnotist. Sadly, none of the advisors were hypnotized. From the hypnotist, they went to the rodeo, which was put on by World’s Toughest Rodeo. The rodeo had bulls, broncs, and two demonstrations by Tommie Turvey, an equine extremist.
On Friday, the group went to the career show, where they could look at colleges, agriculture-related businesses, and shop. After the career show, they went to Schmipff’s Confectionery and the third session, whose keynote speaker was Josh Sundquist, a Paralympic ski racer and motivational speaker. Josh talked about getting back up when you fall and refusing to let anything keep you from achieving your dreams.
On Saturday, the FFA members packed their bags and got ready to go back home. Before leaving for Missouri, they went to watch the American Degree Ceremony. After this and lunch, they left Kentucky and headed back to Missouri.